ChemTrak announces first shipment of ColoCARE home test for the early warning signs of colorectal disease.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--March 26, 1997--ChemTrak Inc. (NASDAQ:CMTR) announced that it has begun shipment of ColoCARE, a home test to detect the early warning signs of colorectal disease.

"In our first week, we have shipped to two major drug store chains which represent 20 percent of the chain stores in the U.S.," said Niquette Hunt, vice president of Marketing for ChemTrak. "Based on the headquarters commitments we have received, we estimate that we will have full national distribution during the second quarter."

The ColoCARE home test will retail for about $7.

"As reported by the American Gastroenterological Association, an expert, multidisciplinary panel was convened and has concluded that the annual use of screening tests for blood in the stool, such as ColoCARE, with follow-up by a doctor on all positive test results, could cut death from colorectal cancer by one-third," said Edward F. Covell, president and chief executive officer of ChemTrak. "So now consumers have access to a home test that gives them a private, accurate and low-cost way to help detect this serious condition."

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in both men and women and accounts for more than 55,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Recently published health guidelines indicated that home tests to detect blood in the stool can be effective as an early screening method, and USA Today reported that "... an easy take-home test for colorectal cancer could lower the cost and unpleasantness that deter many Americans from being examined for the nation's second leading cancer killer."

"We're excited to add ColoCARE to ChemTrak's line of personal and professional-use diagnostic tests. Our products are designed to provide the modern health-conscious consumer with user-friendly and clinically accurate information," Covell added.

Currently, ChemTrak's CholesTrak Home Cholesterol Test, which allows the consumer to track their own progress in controlling their cholesterol levels, is available in most retail pharmacies and mass merchandise outlets in the United States. ChemTrak has also received FDA marketing clearance for its single-use, whole blood, physician's office test for Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori), the bacterium now recognized as a contributor to duodenal and peptic ulcers in humans. The company's home HIV test, Aware, is awaiting FDA marketing clearance in the United States. -0-

NOTE: Statements in this release that relate to product performance, customer acceptance, market conditions, and new product plans are forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from these statements due to risks and uncertainties -- including determinations by the FDA, the impact of competitive product and pricing, the timely development and acceptance of new products, and medical market conditions.

CONTACT: ChemTrak Inc., Sunnyvale

Edward F. Covell, 408/773-8156

or

Freeman/McCue Public Relations, 714/557-3663